Bob Johnson

Bob Johnson

Article by Alan Trout

It was at Hexham on Whit Monday, May 29, 1950, that Robert Stephen Johnson, known as Bob, had the first of his four wins under National Hunt rules, when his mount Gracious Son landed the Causey Hill Selling Handicap Hurdle, beating Tavistock, ridden by top northern amateur Clive Starker, by three lengths. Trained by Herbert Megginson, the five-year-old had been kept busy, for this was his fifth race in May alone, having finished fourth, with Bob aboard, at the same course just two days earlier.

It was not until the corresponding Hexham Whitsun meeting twelve months later that Bob won another race. On the Saturday he partnered Hurgill Lad to win the Shire Selling Handicap Hurdle, and the pair followed up on the Bank Holiday Monday, landing the same race Bob had won the year before. Both were comfortable victories but there was no hat-trick, as they finished unplaced when upped to non-selling company at Sedgefield the following week.   

Bob then had to wait until February 22, 1953 for his fourth and final success, which came at Newcastle when Money Order took the Minnow Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1) by a length and a half from Uncle Jack, ridden by Arthur Thompson. 

Bob Johnson held a licence for two more seasons but rode no more winners. His four wins were, in chronological order:

1. Gracious Son, Hexham, May 29, 1950

2. Hurgill Lad, Hexham, May 12, 1951

3. Hurgill Lad, Hexham, May 14, 1951

4. Money Order, Newcastle, February 22, 1953